Usc El Centro Chicano E-newsletter - Sept. 2, 2008 Edition

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USC EL CENTRO CHICANO E-NEWSLETTER Serving Our Diverse Latina/o & USC Community

September 2nd, 2008

“The following e-newsletter from the office of El Centro Chicano is meant to make you aware of events & issues concerning the Latina/o community at USC, while also connecting you to the greater USC community. In addition, diverse resources and opportunities in Los Angeles are shared; however, this e-newsletter is not meant to be an endorsement. Please use your judgment.” Billy, El Centro Chicano Director, [email protected] , (213) 740-1480

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GENERAL OUTLINE EL CENTRO CHICANO ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. EL CENTRO STILL ACCEPTING APP’S TO WORK @ ECC, turn in ASAP =)

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2. Project Remix: Exploring the Mixed Race Generation, 1st Event Th 9/18th!!! STUDENT ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS: 3 3. “Unidad”… Latino Greek Yard Show, Th 9/4 @ 12p @ Tommy Trojan 4. CASA 0101 Events: Theatre Play “Boyle Heights” 8/22-9/14 DEPARTMENTAL/UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS 3-7 5. LGBT Peer Mentoring Program. 6. MAAA Career Round Table, Tu 9/23rd @ 6p 7. USC Center for Women & Men E-news CULTURAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: 8 8. Support Trojan’s Self-Produced Show SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY 8-19 9. Office of LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa 10. Paid Internships 11. Unpaid Internships 12. Paid Internships by CB Richard Ellis 13. Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Office- Conflict Resolution Specialist Intern CAREER/JOB OPPORTUNITES AND ENRICHMENT 19-21 14. CARECEN (Central American Resource Center) Tutoring Job Opportunity 15. Job Announcements for College Grads VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ENRICHMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND USC 21-31 16. Peace Jam Global Call to Action Conference 17. LACMA: Los Angeles County Museum of Art Events 18. Hispana Leadership Summit 19. Planet Siquieros Pena @ SPARCS 20. Free Online LSAT Prep Course IN THE NEWS 31-36 21. Address to the Fall ’08 USC Student Body: From Efren Paredes, Jr. 22. Diverse Magazine Article: LA High School’s Drop-Out Rate Highlights Problems

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EL CENTRO CHICANO ANNOUNCEMENTS 1.EL CENTRO STILL ACCEPTING APP’S TO WORK HERE

*** ECC IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL PROJECT ASSISTANT POSITIONS, PLEASE TURN THEM IN ASAP! BECOME INVOLVED, HAVE FUN & GET PAID!  *** If you want an application swing by El Centro to pick one up or email [email protected] and request one. Please turn them in this week or ASAP. Thanks. 2. PROJECT REMIX: EXPLORING THE MIXED RACE GENERATION Every Third Thursday, 6p-8p @ El Centro Chicano Lecture Hall, UUC 3rd Fl Fall Program Schedule: 

Sept 18th, 2008: America’s First Black Mixed President

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Oct 16th, 2008: Half-Breed, Mulatto, to Mixed Race: Setting the Historical Context

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Nov 20th, 2008: You’re Not____enough! : Dealing with Multiple Identities

Not everything is Black and White. Join us for interactive discussions and presentations on:  The meaning of a mixed race presidency  Half-breeds, octoroons, high yellows and history.  The jungle fever taboo.  Oreos, bananas, coconuts, oh my!  Cablinasians, Blacktinos, Hapas and ChinoLatinos. What happens to racism when the color lines are blurred?

4 Email for more info: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

STUDENT ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 3. "Unidad"...Latino Greek Yard Show The Latina/o Student Assembly and its 6 affiliated greek-lettered organizations: unite to bring you the first ever

"Unidad"...Latino Greek Yard Show

Join us at Tommy Trojan from 12:00-1:00pm on Thursday September 4, 2008... Learn more about Latino greek life...and enjoy the performances! Organizations will be showcasing their salutes, steps, and/or strolls!Fraternities and sororities confirmed to perform: Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity, Inc. Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. FEATURING MUSIC FROM LATINO 96.3 AND A MINI INVOLVEMENT FAIR! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

4. CASA 0101 Events Boyle Heights written by Josefina Lopez directed by Hector Rodriguez BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! AUG 22 - SEPT 14, 2008

5 with Belinda Arredondo, Yolie Cortez, Eddie Diaz Yolanda Gonzalez, Eric Neil Gutierrez, Mario Valdez Juarez Nicole Ortega, Charlie Romero, Ron Trejo A dramatic comedy about Dalia a 26 year old college educated poet and dreamer, who must confront making a living and staying true to herself, when she is forced to move back in with her old fashioned Mexican parents. Fri & Sat at 8pm / Sun at 7pm $15 Gen, $12 Students/Seniors, $10 Boyle Heights residents DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10+! CASA 0101 Theatre 2009 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 FOR TICKETS:[email protected] or 323-263-7684 http://www.casa0101.org/ · myspace.com/casa_0101

DEPARTMENTAL/UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS 5. LGBT Peer Mentoring Program The LGBT Peer Mentoring Program provides mentors for students who are seeking support and acceptance with their sexual identity development, academics, career aspiration and different facets of their lives. Students are able to ask questions, challenge stereotypes, and gain self-confidence with their mentor to successfully adjust to life at USC. The program is also a great service for LGBT and supportive Ally students who may want to connect with a fellow student who is involved with the community. If you would like more information, please contact Vincent Vigil, Director of the LGBT Resource Center, at [email protected], or Katie Lawler, Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator, at [email protected]. You can also find more information about the LGBT Resource Center and Peer Mentoring Program at http://www.usc.edu/studentaffairs/glbss

6. MAAA Career Round Table

The USC MAAA Young Leadres Council is offering 30 students the opportunity to receive special coaching by some of the recruiters from the top companies who will be attending.

6 The selected students will have the opportunity to attend a special Panel Discussion on September 9th and Mock Interviews on September 16th. (see flyer below).

7 7. USC CENTER FOR WOMEN & MEN E-NEWS

Get information about Men Care at the Student Involvement Fair Look for free posters, postcards and other information at the table on Trousdale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 27. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.usc.edu/mencare. THE UCLA CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF WOMEN in conjunction with THE USC CENTER FOR FEMINIST RESEARCH announce CALL FOR PAPERS: 2009 Thinking Gender The 19th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference Friday, February 6, 2009 UCLA Faculty Center Thinking Gender is a public conference highlighting graduate student research on women, sexuality and gender across all disciplines and historical periods. We invite submissions for individual papers or preconstituted panels. This year, we especially welcome feminist research on: · women and media · local feminist issues and concerns in Southern California · women and the environment (e.g., ecofeminism, the built environment, · urban planning, architecture) · women and political activism (e.g., women in government, women and · war/peace) · embodiment (e.g., disability, genetics) · women in sports For individual papers, please submit an abstract (250-word maximum), a CV (2 pages maximum, no resumes, please), and a brief bibliography (1 page maximum). For panels, please submit a 250-word description of the panel topic in addition to the materials required for the individual paper submissions. Please refer to the submission guidelines at http://www.csw.ucla.edu/thinkinggender.html, and note that only complete applications adhering to the stated guidelines will be accepted. Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, October 22, 2008, by midnight.

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CULTURAL EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. Support Trojan’s Self-Produced Show Title: Heavy Like the Weight of a Flame Featuring R. Ernie Silva Date: Friday September 6th, Saturday September 7th at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday September 7th At 2pm and 8pm Massman Theater University of Southern California Tix 10$

SCHOLARSHIPS Swing by El Centro for more info on scholarships, if you are interested.

INTERNSHIPS 9. OFFICE OF LOS ANGELES MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA FALL 2008 MAYORAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Online Application Process: The mayoral internship online application can be found by visiting Alliance's website, www.allianceresourceconsulting.com. Once on Alliance's homepage, the applicant will need to click on the "Current Searches" icon. He or she will then need to click on the "Internships" icon at the top of the page. The applicant will be taken to a page with the heading "Internship-City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office." The applicant should click on the "register" icon at which time he or she will be prompted to create a login account. Once the applicant has logged in, he or she will be requested to provide additional information including a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, references, and areas of interest, e.g., Mayor's Office of Housing and Economic Development and Office of the Counsel to the Mayor. It is absolutely imperative that all requested information be provided if the applicant is to be considered.

9 Problems Applying Online? If an applicant has any technical difficulties applying online, he or she should directly contact Syldy Tom of Alliance at (562) 901-0769 Ext. 334.

10. PAID INTERNSHIPS 

AEG (L.A. LIVE) – Special Projects Intern Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. (“AEG”) is a subsidiary of The Anschutz Company and one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG owns a collection of companies including multi-use facilities such as STAPLES Center and Home Depot Center in Southern California, several sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) and AEG LIVE, one of the world's leading concert promotions and touring companies. AEG is also currently overseeing the development of L.A. LIVE, 4 million sq. ft. downtown L.A. sports, residential and entertainment district. Due to our continuous growth and expansion into new markets, we are seeking a Special Projects Intern to be an integral member of AEG’s Facilities team at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA. Intern will read daily, weekly and monthly trade publications and scan for relevant articles; copy and distribute via hard and soft copy to necessary parties. Project research including: identifying key businesses in Downtown, identifying key radio station DJs. Attending open houses and festivals to promote L.A. LIVE. Orchestrate promotional sweepstakes including in-person drawings, radio station giveaways, etc. Maintain targeted lists of concierges, hotels and relevant business in Downtown. General assistant tasks such as answering phones, responding to emails, filing, and scheduling appointments. Data entry of contacts for L.A. LIVE database. Assist with weekend farmers market needs (Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm). Work with events team to plan Grand Opening events, including lunchtime and evening entertainment. Work with PR team to clip and track media coverage for Grand Opening of L.A. LIVE. Must have knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Strong writing and comprehension skills. Professional attitude. Prefer a student who has a flexible schedule with some daytime and evening time available. Someone who is willing to work weekends and late hours when needed. L.A. LIVE can accommodate class schedule and exams. Prefer someone who is a junior or senior and pursuing a career in marketing, pr or events. If interested, please send your resume to Tammy Billings at [email protected]

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Telepictures Productions Inc. – Branded Entertainment Website Intern (PR/Marketing) Telepictures Productions Inc. seeks a Branded Entertainment Website Intern for the Publicity & Marketing department. Position assists in website idea generation and client prospecting which includes assisting in identifying brand companies (or agencies who represent brands) to partner with Telepictures for integrations across our entertainment properties. The identification of these brands will come through extensive research. The intern must also have a deep understanding of the brands and our entertainment properties. The internship will include contacting these companies and generating their interest in integration and partnership opportunities with the shows. Assists in creating/drafting proposals for partnerships or integration opportunities. These proposals include integration objectives, initial creative concept (as approved by the shows), timing, pricing, etc. Performs industry and client research and analysis. Performs other job related duties and projects as assigned. Working on BS/BA degree in Business or related field. Proficiency with MS Word and MAC is required. Proficiency

10 with Outlook E-mail and use of the Internet are required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Strong research skills. Passion for TV, web and entertainment in general. Excellent organizational skills. Some experience with PR and/or marketing is preferred and a strong knowledge of news, current pop culture, and the internet space, is important. Must have ability to work well under time constraints. Must be able to handle multiple tasks. Must posses a professional mannerism. If you are interested in this internship, please email your resume as a word document to [email protected] and be sure to include the designation " #105572BR / CUSC " in your subject line. Submissions received without the proper designation will not be considered.

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USC Joint Educational Project – Community Based Learning Collaborative Intern The USC Joint Educational Project is seeking a graduate or advanced undergraduate student to assist staff with activities and events related to the implementation of the Community Based Learning Collaborative (CBLC). Responsibilities will include assistance with event planning and coordination, database management, web site updates, and other related communication activities. Interns are expected to be well-organized and work well both independently and as part of a team. This is a part-time position with a work schedule of 20 hours per week. Workstudy eligibility is preferred, but not required. Interns will gain experience in building a university- and community-wide organization that addresses the university's goal of meeting societal needs. The interns will have the opportunity to meet and network with faculty, staff, and community-based organizations. The Community Based Learning Collaborative (CBLC) was initiated in 2003 when staff, students and faculty from a number of USC schools and departments came together with area community-based organizations to discuss how to build a university-wide support structure for experiential learning opportunities at USC. The CBLC serves as a resource center and coordination point for student-centered experiential learning and promotes community based learning as an integral part of education. Students interested in interning with the CBLC should email a brief letter of interest and resume to: Susan Harris, JEP's Associate Director of Research and Academic Affairs and Executive Board member for the CBLC ([email protected]). In order to be considered for the position, please submit all materials no later than Friday, September 5, 2008. For additional information about the CBLC or the position, please contact Susan Harris at 213-740-1830 or [email protected], or Sharon Stewart, the Co-Chair of the CBLC, at 213-743-5264, [email protected].

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Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution – Marketing Intern Warner Bros. TV Distribution Inc. seeks a Marketing Intern for the Domestic TV Distribution Marketing department. This is a Paid OR Credit Only internship. Position observes and assists in the analysis, creation, and execution of marketing campaigns for all Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution syndicated product, including “Two and a Half Men,” “TMZ,” “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and “The Bonnie Hunt Show.” Works with and supports department executives on multiple projects and activities including the selection and creation of specialty/premium items, logging of stations’ national on-air promotional spots, updating affiliate contact information in departmental databases, organizing files and creative materials. Participates in meetings, offering opinions, insights and suggestions on creative campaigns, marketing strategies, show specific promotions, etc. Writes summaries and analyses when requested. Assists with event planning. Attends studio wide and divisional speaker series to learn more about opportunities in the industry. Works, on occasion, at the show production offices with show marketing managers to gain firsthand knowledge of the process of television production and client servicing. Sits in on various meetings. Attends film shoots. Performs

11 other related job duties and projects as assigned. College student currently enrolled in school and pursuing a BS/BA degree in Film/TV, Business, Research, Communications or related field required. Proficient in MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook e-mail and internet savvy are required. Strong writer/researcher. Must possess creative drive. Proven skills to work in a team-oriented environment. Must have ability to communicate effectively & tactfully with managers & other levels of personnel. Must have ability to pay close attention to detail and understand written & oral instructions. Must have ability to organize & schedule work effectively. Must have ability to work well under time constraints. Must be able to handle multiple tasks. Must posses a professional mannerism. If you are interested in this internship, please email your resume as a word document to [email protected] and be sure to include the designation " #105115BR / CUSC " in your subject line. Submissions received without the designation will not be considered.

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Mercer – Diversity Scholarship Intern Program Mercer has more than 18,000 employees serving clients from more than 40 countries and territories worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. As a leading global provider of human resource consulting, outsourcing, and investment services, Mercer serves more than 25,000 clients globally. Mercer’s Diversity Scholarship Program encourages minority college students to explore a path toward a rewarding career in consulting. Mercer’s Diversity Scholars receive a paid summer internship at one of Mercer’s US offices and a scholarship award of $5,000 paid to your school at the end of your summer with Mercer. The program goals include providing funding to students at nationally accredited institutions of higher learning that are committed to developing future scholars. Recognizing achievement in scholastics, leadership potential and initiative among minority students. Attracting top minority students with leadership potential to work at Mercer, where diversity is important to our strategic vision and contributes to our company’s success. To be eligible for consideration, you must be pursuing a degree in actuarial sciences, mathematics, statistics, economics, business, finance, organizational psychology or human resources management. Have a GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale or rank in the top 5 percent of your class. Be an undergraduate student of sophomore or junior standing. Identify as Hispanic or Latino, Black or African-American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Asian, or American Indian or Alaska Native. Be active in campus or community activities. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that at this time, the company does not intend to offer this program under OPT or to sponsor work visas with respect to these positions. Finalists for the Diversity Scholarship Intern Program must submit an official transcript. Finalists may also be required to submit a reference letter and a one-page essay on a topic to be determined by Mercer. To remain eligible for the scholarship, you must agree to: Accept a paid summer internship position at one of Mercer’s many office locations, Maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 or class ranking in the top 5 percent of your class, Be an ambassador for Mercer at your school. To apply for this program visit the “On-Campus Recruiting” section in connectSC.

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Viterbi School of Engineering Career Services (ECS) – Student Assistant ($8-9/hr) ECS acts as a liaison between employers and engineering students, providing events and programs designed to connect our engineers with top employers. We work with students in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to assist them with their resumes and with the job and internship search. We also coordinate the on-campus interviewing program for engineers and the Cooperative Education program. Our biggest annual events, the Engineering Career

12 Conference and two Engineering Career Fairs, are attended by thousands of students and hundreds of employers. The primary responsibilities of a Student Assistant are data entry, to maintain and manage ECS email account, to create and revise fliers and announcements, assist in the coordination and promotion of all ECS events. Process Career Fair and Career Conference registrations. Order catering and AV for Information Sessions and other events. Receive and make phone calls to employers. Greet and host employers and students at events. Provide general receptionist duties at the ECS front desk; duties will include answering the phone, greeting visitors, assisting in the execution of on-campus interviews, and other duties as assigned (including those listed above). Photocopying, filing, errands, sorting/distributing mail, and other clerical duties. Prefer federal work study. A working knowledge of MS Office applications (Word, Excel). General office & customer service skills. Experience answering phones and greeting customers is preferred. Comfortable and mature enough to behave professionally via phone and in person, interacting with students, faculty and industry representatives. Organized, flexible, and friendly! Office Hours are: Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm – We will work with your schedule. Occasional evening hours during high recruitment periods. Please send resumes to [email protected]

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Alternative Marketing – Entertainment Marketing Intern Leading entertainment marketing company with clients such as Warner Bros.,20th Century Fox, Paramount, Sony, Disney, DreamWorks and HBO, is looking for interns. This is a multipurpose position requiring someone willing to wear a lot of hats. Work may include Internet research, data entry, publicity phone calls, recap calls, promotion audit/follow up calls and emails, and field/grassroots promotions. Additional job duties may include administrative activities such as answering main office phone and routing calls, shipping materials and receiving shipments, organizing and ordering office supplies, filing, photocopying, etc. Additional responsibilities include junior level account work to assist all Account Executives. Works under immediate supervision; typically reports to a senior account executive or promotions manager. No prior experience necessary. $8.00 per hour and college credit available. Opportunity could lead to full-time employment after graduation. Send resume to: Janah Valenzuela, [email protected]

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Corporate Events Group – Sales & Marketing Intern ($10/hr) This position will assist in various aspects of website content maintenance, search marketing, and sales operations. The intern will gain valuable experience in the exciting fields of sports and entertainment and event marketing. Please do not apply if you cannot reasonably commute to the Encino, CA office on a regular basis. This position requires experience in a general business setting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic and be capable of working independently yet within a team setting. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast paced environment with time-sensitive pressure to meet assigned deadlines. CEG is a rapidly growing company, so volume of work will be considerable. The ideal candidate must be detail oriented and be comfortable working with multiple PC and web-based software programs. Minimum of 20 hours weekly, Monday through Friday. Responsibilities include maintaining CEG website pages using Joomla web software. Creation and management of Search Marketing/Advertising campaigns. Process daily website and Sales Team orders. Assist Sales Team in Sourcing Product Inventory. Provide general support to Sales Department and other departments as necessary. Must have exceptional initiative, follow-through, attention to detail, and problems solving and multi-tasking skills. Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office applications) and be comfortable working on the Internet and with new

13 software programs. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills (spelling and grammar). Must be able to work in high-stress environment. Strong ability to prioritize, multitask, and work independently. Prior Customer Service and/or Sales experience is preferred. Prefer a Junior that will be available for a year or maybe two. Please submit all resumes to Matt Huff: [email protected]

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Hungry Cities – Intern Learn about book publishing by actually doing it! The Hungry? City Guides is a dining and drinking guidebook publisher based in downtown and are looking for a couple of smart and hard-working college interns to help us produce our books. Learn more about us at hungrycityguides.com and hungrydeck.com. This internship allows students to gain valuable experience with many facets of the book publishing industry by working on editorial, production, marketing, and publicity projects. Interns have a unique opportunity to take on a variety of responsibilities and work directly with editors, writers, and media. Interns learn how to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities as they work on books in various stages of the editorial and production process (from manuscript to printed book), and assist with launching new titles, in addition to actively participating in the operations of a small business. Candidates should be self-motivated, responsible, detail-oriented, and have previous office/work experience. English, Journalism, Communications, PR, or related majors preferred, but not required. Strong writing, grammar, and research skills required. Ten hour a week time commitment over twelve weeks (or equivalent) required. Potential interns should send a short cover letter and writing sample (no links), indicating their interest and qualifications, to [email protected].

11. UNPAID INTERNSHIPS 

MGM – Development Intern Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is looking for qualified interns to assist the Development Department, beginning immediately. We are looking for bright, creative self-starters with a winning attitude, preferably with an interest in working in the film industry after college. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at a major motion picture studio that is on the rise. This is an unpaid internship, for college credit only. This internship offers a great opportunity for students to participate in the day-to-day operations of the department. Interns will gain invaluable, hands-on experience in the development and production aspects of the film industry. We are looking for students who are interested in film production. Interns must be available to work a minimum 2 - 3 days a week, preferably 5 days / week (Mon-Fri) with a minimum of 15-20 hours a week. Schedules are very flexible. Candidates can apply via email to [email protected] and [email protected]. Please include your resume and contact information.

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Alchemy Entertainment – Intern We are currently in post production on a feature for New Line / Warner Bros. and in development on a TV show for CBS. We are also currently in development on several features. Our management/production company is looking for a fall intern to help out around the office. Responsibilities include but not limited to: Occasional movie/TV set visits, Assisting the Development Executive, Reading scripts and writing coverage, Answering phones and Daily

14 office tasks. Proficient in using a computer. Highly motivated, independent and organized Unpaid Internship. Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. Please email a resume to [email protected]. Please include the days and times you are available in your email.

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PMK/HBH – Public Relations Intern PMKHBH, a leader in entertainment public relations is currently hiring part time energetic and hardworking interns for the Fall term (September-December). We are looking for candidates who are interested in learning about all aspects of the PR business, including corporate, personal, film, sports and event public relations. This is not a paid internship. Candidates MUST be eligible to receive school credit for the internship and be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week. Duties include but are not limited to updating media contacts, updating press kits, preparing client memos, faxing, scanning documents, covering desks, answering phones, working at events, etc. Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] and [email protected] .

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Pivotal Events (3 Openings) Always thinking "outside the event", Pivotal Events is a full-service event management company which produces educational conferences, sales meetings, seminars, executive retreats, exclusive encounters, networking events, galas, golf tournaments, tradeshows, and e-learning programs that maximize the return on our clients’ event investment. Intern candidates must have a willingness to take on new, unfamiliar tasks as well as perform administration duties with enthusiasm. Minimum GPA: 3.5. Comfortable working in a fast paced, yet small office environment. Event Planner: Pivotal Events’ intern will gain first-hand event planning experience while participating in the execution of Pivotal Events’ client events. In addition, Pivotal Events’ event planner intern will be exposed to and involved with the administration of a small entrepreneurial company. A sample of job responsibilities will include, but not limited to: Data gathering and data entry for a variety of contacts including, event venues, vendors, sales leads, and industry contacts, Researching new event venues and ideas, Putting together sales kits, event binders, and mailings, Proof documents, invitations, and emails and more. High sense of accuracy and attention to detail. Knowledge or willingness to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook, and Publisher. Visual Communications/Graphic Design Intern: Will gain first-hand experience in developing visual communication collateral while participating in the execution of Pivotal Events’ client events. Design and edit marketing collateral, identity graphics, event invitations, and print/web advertisements. Organize, edit, and enhance event photos. Maintain, update, and enhance HTML websites. Conduct office administration, such as organization of documents and data entry, and experience the day to day workings of a small entrepreneurial company. Experience in using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and Macromedia Flash. Experience with Dreamweaver or other related HTML platforms. Ability to generate creative ideas that attract and engage audiences. Communications/Journalism Intern: Will have the opportunity to develop their creative, business, and persuasive writing and journalism skills while participating in the execution of Pivotal Events’ client events. Proof documents, invitations, and emails. Draft and edit copy for

15 marketing collateral, event invitations, reference materials, articles, press releases, and blog posts. Conduct office administration, such as organization of documents and data entry, and experience the day to day workings of a small entrepreneurial company. Excellent written communication skills from basic email etiquette to large-scale writing projects. Excellent verbal communication skills; ability to maintain a poised and professional demeanor with demanding, high profile clients both on the phone and in person. Experience writing for multiple audiences. Ability to generate creative ideas that attract and engage audiences. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Joseph Fong at [email protected]. Be sure to include in your cover letter why you are interested in this internship and your availability to work during the fall and/or spring semester. If selected to participate as Pivotal Events’ event planner intern, you must register and enroll in USC internship course EDCO248 (Theories of Career Development – 2 units) or MDA 250 (Internship for Liberal Arts: Work and Career Theoroy and Practice – 2 units) to receive university credit. You must be registered and enrolled during the entire duration of your participation in this internship.

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Los Angeles County Museum of Art – Communication Intern There are 1 to 3 internship opportunities available in the marketing and communications department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Interns work closely with all members of the communications staff to develop and execute the museum’s press strategy. Interns have the opportunity to be exposed to all areas of the museum’s press office, including communications with media, development of press materials, press coverage tracking, event planning, and research. Intern(s) will handle requests from all types of media, including print, online, and broadcast. Assist with development and assembly of press kits related to museum’s exhibitions, public programs, special events, and announcements. Track museum’s press coverage with clippings and coverage reports. Assist with news, editorial, and photography shoots. Maintain and organize media database. Research prospects for media outreach. Enrollment in art and/or communications classes is preferred. Must be a flexible team-player who is excited to learn how a museum works! This is a non-paid internship. LACMA can work with the university to provide course credit. Candidate must understand that work tasks may change daily. Candidate must be available for a total of at least 20 hours a week for a 12-week period. Interested candidates for this intern position should contact: Christine Choi, Communications and Marketing Department via fax: 323-857-4702 or e-mail: [email protected].

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Los Angeles County Museum of Art – Marketing Intern There are 1 to 3 internship opportunities available in the marketing and communications department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The interns will work closely with all members of the marketing staff to develop and execute marketing strategy. Interns have the opportunity to be exposed to all areas of museum marketing, including print, outdoor and radio advertising, direct email campaigns, street marketing, event planning, research and the creative process. Assist with placing print, radio and TV ads. Research potential partners for LACMA (business partners, community partners, affiliate associations, schools, etc.). Organize master files related to advertising campaigns. Track billing for advertising. Assist with event planning. Enrollment in art and/or marketing classes is preferred. Must be a flexible teamplayer who is excited to learn how a museum works! This is a non-paid internship. LACMA can work with the university to provide course credit. Candidate must understand that work tasks may change daily. Candidate must be available for a total of at least 20 hours a week for a 12-

16 week period. Interested candidates for this intern position should contact: Rachel Mullennix, Communications and Marketing Department via fax: 323-857-4702 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Puma – Marketing Intern PUMA Entertainment Marketing is currently hiring Fall interns. We're looking for motivated, energetic, creative self-starters who don't mind getting their hands dirty working in a fast paced and fun marketing environment. Candidates should be well versed in either music, film, pop-culture or television and have an interest in one of these fields. It helps to love shoes and the culture associated with. Candidates should also be web-savvy, have a close attention to detail and have an understanding of lifestyle, fashion and pop culture. We like people with personalities, so please bring yours! Internships are unpaid and for COLLEGE COURSE CREDIT ONLY...and FREE shoes. There are plenty of perks, too. Concerts, events, parties, etc. Applicants should EMAIL resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. No calls please.

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Sirius Satellite/XM Radio – Automotive Parternship Intern Assist in the XM Your Ride Dealer Program. Handle incoming calls and emails for the XM Your Ride help desk. Answer Dealer inquiries and troubleshoot problems. Be responsible for preparing regular reports to be used by our Automotive Field Teams to track Dealer Participation. Confirm receipt of XM Subscription Forms to ensure accuracy and/or correct and/or missing or inaccurate fields on said forms.Prepare reports and follow up with Dealers to help improve engagement with the Program. Track down missing or incomplete data from any submitted Forms. Ensue Dealers will be getting properly compensated in a timely fashion. Good project management and planning skills. Good personnel management skills. Interpersonal skills and ability to interact and work with staff at all levels. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Working independently and in a team environment. Ability to pay attention to details. Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment. Willingness to take initiative and to follow through on projects. Familiar with SIRIUS XM Programming. Must be skilled in Excel. Above average communication skills. Previous Sales Skills a plus. Knowledge of MS-Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access). To Apply & to see why XM is “One of the Top 10 Internships In America”. Go to http://internships.xmradio.com If you are interested in finding out more about our internship program, they can go to http://xmexperience.blogspot.com (it’s our intern blog).

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Universal Music Christian Group – Fall Intern Universal Music Christian Group is seeking a talented intern with a desire to learn about the Christian/Gospel Music Industry. Candidates with a background in music, entertainment, marketing and/or graphic design is preferred. Experience in Excel, Photoshop and the internet is a plus. The Interns responsibilities will include Internet research, data entry and administrative/clerical duties as assigned. If interested, please submit resumes to [email protected]. For more information on the Universal Music Christian Group, please visit http://www.universalmusicchristian.com/

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Custard Records – Intern Independent Record Label is looking for a smart, resourceful, dynamic and responsible individual for an internship. This is a great opportunity to work and learn about the Music Business. Ideal candidates must have a professional phone manner, excellent writing skills,

17 and a strong work ethic. Duties include: Phones, Filing, Errands, Copying/scanning, Research, Computer Savvy a must: Mac & PC and Microsoft Office Suite. Work Schedule: 2-3 days per week. (days tbd). Hours per Week:10-20. School credit only. Please have a method of transportation. Parking provided if needed. Please respond via email: [email protected]

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Lifetime TV – Fall Internship Program Interns at Lifetime can put their education and talent to work. At Lifetime, we're interested in Innovative, creative individuals with a passion for the media industry. We're looking for smart undergraduate students who have a passion for an increased knowledge of the cable industry. Our interns receive hands on experience while learning from the best and the brightest in the industry. Open to undergraduates only. Accepting resumes beginning July 2008. Program is 10 weeks long, commencing on September 15, 2008 to November 21, 2008. All internships are unpaid and students must receive academic credit. Students are required to intern a minimum of 15 hours per week. Internships available in the following areas: Business Affairs, Distribution Sales & Business, Development, Marketing, Music, Online/New Media, Programming – Movies, Programming – President of Entertainment’s Office, Programming – Production, Programming – Reality, Programming – Scheduling & Acquisitions, Programming Scripted Series and Publicity. We're looking to help you achieve your internship goals and objectives. To be considered for an internship please forward a cover letter along with your resume to: Judy Chang, Lifetime Television, 2049 Century Park East – 8th Floor, Los Angeles, Calif. 90067. Or feel free to email resumes to [email protected] or fax to (310) 7720393. Questions? Please call (310) 556-7550. Please indicate areas of interest on your cover letter.

**For a full job description please e-mail [email protected] and specify what area of interest you would like the job description for.

12. PAID INTERNSHIP BY CB Richard Ellis CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG, www.cbre.com), is the world's largest commercial real estate services firm. CB Richard Ellis is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is an S&P 500 company. With over 24,000 employees, the Company serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices worldwide (excluding affiliate and partner offices). CB Richard Ellis offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. In 2007, BusinessWeek named CB Richard Ellis one of the 50 "best in class" companies across all industries. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION CB Richard Ellis’ (CBRE) Hispanic Network is partnering with USC's Hispanic Network to identify five highly motivated and energetic interns to participate in CBRE’s Brokerage Internship Program for the Fall 2008 academic semester. These five paid interns will each have direct access and exposure to a top senior CBRE broker in our Los Angeles area. The 14 week program will require a 10 hour work week commitment by the intern with the following responsibilities:

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Client Prospecting
Preparation of presentations and support materials
Financial analyses
Database maintenance
Research Interns will have the opportunity to leverage the contacts of their senior broker to network and build an understanding of the different service lines CBRE has to offer our clients. Upon completion of the Program you will have a more rounded knowledge of the Los Angeles commercial real estate market, the leasing and brokerage process, and most importantly – the culture of the largest and most successful global commercial real estate service provider. QUALIFICATIONS
Enrollment at USC (must be a Junior or Senior)
Strong MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint Skills
Demonstrated initiative, leadership, team building skills and ability to meet deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills LOCATION
Los Angeles, CA HOW TO APPLY If you would like to apply for the internship, please email your resume and contact info to James Rodriguez, First Vice President, CB Richard Ellis, at james.rodriguez@cbre (copy [email protected] on your email to James). A time is being arranged for CBRE to come to USC for a Q & A session regarding the internship program. An email will be sent out once a time and location have been arranged.

13. Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center – Conflict Resolution Specialist Intern Description of Org: The Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center provides mediation and conflict resolution services to the diverse communities in the Los Angeles region. Through our mediation services, we offer people an alternative to costly and time-consuming court services. We also strive to improve human relations and race relations by addressing complex, cross-cultural community conflicts and their root causes through collaboration with community partners. We are dedicated to serving traditionally under-served and underrepresented people in order to ensure equal access for all. Intern Duties: The Center is looking for people who have an interest in community and grassroots work. All interns should be organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and willing to learn. Strong writing and speaking skills are preferred. The nine month internship is language specific: Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, Urdu. Those chosen will receive a stipend which will be discussed through the interview process.

19 Conflict Resolution Specialists (CRS) Interns will be responsible for the following tasks: · · · ·

Conducting intake interviews, interacting with clients, Mediate cases specific to the community that they are assigned Build community program through community education, public presentations, and outreach. Assisting in the day-to-day activities and special projects of the Center.

The internship will take place from September 2008 to May 2009. A shorter unpaid internship is available for those who can commit to 180 hours within a 3-4 month period. The application deadlines are September 19, 2008.

CAREER/JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND ENRICHMENT/WORKSHOPS 14. CARECEN TUTORING JOB OPPORTUNITY The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) is seeking qualified applicants for a part time, 16 hours per week, Tutor opening to assist a six-staff member education program team in providing afterschool & off-track academic, cultural, and recreational services to children and youth of the PicoUnion/Westlake and Koreatown neighborhoods. This is an excellent employment opportunity for individuals interested in exploring childhood development or education as a career. Organizational History & Mission: CARECEN is a multi-service, community-based organization, founded in 1983 by a group of refugees and human rights activists, with programs in three areas: legal services, education, and community development. All programs work toward the empowerment and full inclusion of immigrants and new citizens. CARECEN receives funding from private foundations, government grants, and individual contributions. With an annual operating budget of $1.5 million, CARECEN employs a staff of 31 and maintains a regular volunteer corps as well. Last year, CARECEN’s programs served more than 16,000 people. Summary of Duties:  Provides quality tutoring assistance to afterschool or off-track children and youth using selfesteem building techniques; assist with homework assignments in English, math and/or other subjects as required.  Under the direction of the Lead Tutor and Director of Education and Technology Programs, communicates with youth participant’s parents on the respective progress and/or academic needs of the child/youth participant.  Supervises children/youth in recreation and cultural activities; ensures the safe play of all participants.  Complies with all provisions of CARECEN’s child safety policies. Qualifications:  Active enrollment in an undergraduate college or university –OR-- previous experience working with children or youth preferred; preference given to individuals interested in pursuing childhood development or teaching as a career.

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Fluency in Spanish/English languages required. Ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in verbal and written form with youth, parents, and co-workers; ability to work collaboratively with staff members required. Proficiency in literacy development and experience with lower-elementary students preferred. Knowledge and substantive understanding of the Pico-Union/Westlake community of Los Angeles, with emphasis on Latino/a youth and culture preferred. Knowledge or understanding of LAUSD school curriculum a plus. Certification in child CPR & First Aid (renewed annually), TB clearance, statement of good health, and fingerprint & child abuse index check by Department of Social Services, are required for this position. Commitment to the mission and goals of CARECEN.

Compensation & Benefits: This is an hourly position with a starting pay rate of $9.50 to $11.50 per hour and a work shift of 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday- Thursday and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Friday. Application Procedure: Recruitment is continuous until position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to send or fax a resume along with a cover letter outlining background and any related experience to Sherly Chavarria, CARECEN, 2845 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005; e-mail: [email protected]; fax (213) 385-1094. CARECEN is an affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including immigrants, women, people of color, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

15. JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR COLLEGE GRADS Hello Everyone! I am a Project Coordinator with the Los Angeles City Clerks - Election Division and we are recruiting Bilingual Outreach Specialists for 2009 Municipal Elections. We have six positions available that require oral and written fluency in English and one of the following languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese (one position per language). The Bilingual Outreach Specialist positions are full time and will begin in August 2008 through May 2009. These positions are a great opportunity for recent college graduates interested in community engagement and have the desire to use their foreign language skills. If you know anyone who might be interested or want to distribute this information to your contacts, I have attached a job announcement flyer for your information. If you are available, I am interested in meeting with you or with someone in your department to further discuss these positions. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward in hearing from you, Josue Marcus

21 TEMPORARY JOBS AVAILABLE!!! 2008 and May 2009 for the 2009 Municipal APPLICATION DATES: JULY 10 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. (Note: Submit your applications asearly as possible. These positions will be filled FAST!) FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (213) 978-0304 Outreach (Bilingual) Specialist (6 positions) Salary $14.14 an hour. • Work schedule: 8am-5pm M-F, • Employees will conduct voter education presentations and recruit bilingual pollworkers. Weekends, as required*. • Oral and written fluency needed in the following languages: Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNIES ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIIES 16. PeaceJam Global Call to Action Conference

22 Join us in Los Angeles on Sept. 11-13, 2008 for PeaceJam’s “Global Call to Action” Conference featuring seven Nobel Peace Laureates and thousands of youth participants The event is for youth ages 13 (and in 8th grade) through 25 Adults welcome as sponsors/group leaders with no more than one adult per 3-10 youth. RESERVE YOUR SPACES TODAY!

17. LACMA See Flyer Below:

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24 Parking is available in the 6th Street underground parking garage, located just east of Fairfax Avenue, and in the lot on the corner of Spaulding Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard; validated parking costs $7. Parking is free after 7 pm. Metered parking is available along 6th Street, Wilshire Boulevard, and neighboring side streets during select hours. For more information click here: http://www.lacma.org/events/lanza.aspx Education programs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are supported in part by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the William Randolph Hearst Endowment Fund for Arts Education. If you would like to be removed from this e-mail list please reply to sender with REMOVE L in the subject line. Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90036 323–857–6010 www.lacma.org

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27 Parking is available in the 6th Street underground parking garage, located just east of Fairfax Avenue, and in the lot on the corner of Spaulding Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard; validated parking costs $7. Parking is free after 7 pm. Metered parking is available along 6th Street, Wilshire Boulevard, and neighboring side streets during select hours.

For more information click here: http://www.lacma.org/events/lanza.aspx Photo: Tony Smith, Smoke, 1967 © 2007 Museum Associates/LACMA Education programs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are supported in part by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the William Randolph Hearst Endowment Fund for Arts Education. If you would like to be removed from this e-mail list please reply to sender with REMOVE L in the subject line. Education Department

Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90036 323–857–6512 www.lacma.org

See Flyer Below:

18. HISPANA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Click Here view a web copy of this message

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29 See Flyer Below:

19. PLANET SIQUEIROS PENA

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This e-mail was sent from Social and

31 20. FREE ONLINE LSAT PREP COURSE A major test prep firm is launching a pilot LSAT prep course that will essentially be free for students. Here is the opportunity: The 2 Instructors both have 99th percentile scores (174 and 177 respectively) and are real pros. Here are the dates we've worked out for the pilot courses, which occur online: Group A Sundays, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm eastern time (9 – 12 PST) 9/7 through 11/16 skips 9/14 and 10/5 Group B Wednesdays, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm eastern time (5 – 8 PST) 9/17 through 11/19 skips 10/1 It's $250 for the full course, including materials. You then get the $250 back if you give us some feedback (thus, free) and show up to 2/3rd of the classes. Students get a bunch of textbooks from LSAC that ordinarily cost $100 - $200, also for free. Have anyone who’s interested contact Dan Gonzalez (one of the Instructors), at [email protected]

IN THE NEWS 21. Address to the Fall 2008 University of Southern California (USC) Student Body ¡Bienvenidos! (Welcome), as you commence a new year of matriculation at one of the nation's most respected institutions of higher learning. I am grateful to send you this message from across the country and proud to stand by you in solidarity as you sojourn through an exciting year replete with a myriad of opportunities. This message is being delivered from another institution of notoriety in this nation. Unlike your institution that nourishes life and creativity, the one I am in seeks to destroy them. We exist at opposite ends of the spectrum of life and opportunity.

32 As a consequence of biased policies which target youth of color, many Chicana/o and Latina/o youth end up in prison cells. It is an unconscionable reality we are compelled to confront. Census Bureau statistics reflect that there are 2.7 Latinos living in prison cells compared to every one Latino living in a college dorm. We have higher dropout rates, lower test scores, and fewer college graduates, which all leads to less involvement in community affairs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 37% of Latinos do not finish high school, compared to the national average of 15%. The ACLU Racial Justice Program is currently tackling a disturbing national trend in which children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. They characterize this phenomenon as the "school to prison pipeline." I know firsthand the devastating effects these statistics can have on our community. I have been incarcerated since age 15 for a crime I did not commit and had no role in. I was sentenced to die in prison and I still remain captive after nearly 20 years of wrongful imprisonment. I am in the battle for my very life. Without the strong support of people of conscience who are committed to defending justice and human rights, I will die in prison. It is human rights abuses like these that cry out for us to answer the call to service for the betterment of humanity. If we shirk from our responsibility we will be complicit in fostering more injustice and leaving ourselves vulnerable to further abuse and victimization. I know what it takes to transcend dehumanizing conditions. If not for my independent pursuit of higher learning I would have been defeated long ago by the crushing weight of this experience. Education is vital to our survival and building bridges that enable us to connect the past with the future. I urge you to not take your education and opportunities for granted. Demonstrate that you are among the worthy who were entrusted with this opportunity that many others have been denied or taken for granted. You each represent beacons of light to a generation of scholarship that will follow you. The task before you can not be underscored enough as you valiantly carry the torch of victory in the struggle for self-determination, respect and quality education. Know that you stand on the towering shoulders of a long illustrious line of strong Chicana/o and Latina/o leaders who sacrificed so you could enjoy the fruits of their toils and struggles. We are the descendants of the women who gave birth to one of the

33 greatest civilizations on Earth, the architects who built the colossal Mayan and Aztec temples, as well as great scientists and educators. You are now the custodians of their legacy and your actions will determine the preservation of their memory. Leave your footprints as signposts along the path as you fulfill your hopes and dreams. In so doing you can help change the world a little at a time and liberate our gente (people) from the stranglehold of dependence and ignorance. Once you are gone your stewardship will be celebrated by the bright eyes, brilliant minds, and beautiful faces of young Chicana/o and Latina/o children anxiously awaiting to take the baton. Like you, they will be pillars of hope and inspiration to others. We will not be defeated. unconquerable!

As individuals we are strong, but together we are

In Solidarity, Efrén Paredes, Jr. To learn how you can help end the injustice perpetrated against Efrén Paredes, Jr. visit http://Free-Efren.blogspot.com . To learn more about the shocking details surrounding Efrén's case please visit http://www.4Efren.com .

22. DIVERSE MAGAZINE LA High School’s Drop-Out Rate Highlights Problems by Associated Press Aug 20, 2008, 11:47

LOS ANGELES Amid the verdant lawn and leafy trees of the tidy Jefferson Senior High School campus, you'll see something troubling: a police officer patrols the grounds and a sign warns that guns are illegal. The biggest problem here, however, is what you don't see -- all the dropouts. With a 58 percent dropout rate, Jefferson has the worst record in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The district average is 33.6 percent, compared with a statewide average of 24.2 percent, according to recent state figures. "It's horrendous," said Debra Duardo, director of the dropout prevention and recovery program

34 at LAUSD, the nation's second-largest district. While half the students typically quit urban schools nationwide, Jefferson is at the lower end of the spectrum of so-called "dropout factories" because of a concentration of factors that are rarely all present at schools in other cities. Located in South Los Angeles, where new immigrants mostly from Mexico and Central America settle, the area has a large minority population and high poverty. Of its 1,977 students last school year, 45 percent qualified as English learners. More than 90 percent qualified for free or reduced-price lunches. The newcomer population means families shift quickly, following jobs or fleeing immigration raids. The school has a 57 percent transience rate, compared to a 38 percent average across district high schools. "There's a lack of well-paying jobs in the area," said social studies teacher Nicolle Sefferman. "When folks have a chance to move on, they move on." A vast number of students are raised by single parents who struggle to support their families, financially and emotionally, and Principal Juan Flecha noted that many students do not live with their parents, who work in other cities or even in other countries. A shift in demographics has spurred racial divisions that peaked three years ago when African Americans and Latinos clashed in several bloody melees. A quarter-century ago, Latino students totaled 31 percent of the student body, now they account for almost 90 percent. Blacks comprise about 10 percent of the student body and a sliver is Asian or white. While ninth-graders now spend a week learning conflict resolution and peer mediation, violence, particularly gang-related, frames students' lives. Gang rivalries are minimal in school because one group, the 38th Street gang, dominates school turf, but the undercurrent is ever-present. Flecha recently had to deal with a freshman who got shot in the leg on his way home from school. Students noted that gang members often disrupt class, diverting teachers from teaching. "Teachers pay more attention to people messing around than people who want to learn," said Jeanette Garcia, 14.

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Such factors mean that academic failure starts long before high school. Kids arrive in the ninth grade woefully unprepared and manage to cling on until they are old enough to get a job. "There's a psychological effect of failure," says Russell Rumberger, director of University of California at Santa Barbara's California Dropout Research Project. "Kids who experience failure start to give up." For Sefferman, the biggest challenge is re-engaging those students. She believes Jefferson is on the right track with a new model that lets students choose a focus among creative arts, global leadership, business, and teacher preparation. There's also the academically rigorous New Tech Academy, where students wear business attire one day a week, and do assignments by computer. Last year, the district launched a $200,000 marketing campaign to convince kids school is worthwhile. Promos on hip-hop radio, cell phone text messages, a MySpace Web site and You Tube videos hammered home that graduates earn an average of $175 more weekly than dropouts followed by the message: "Get your diploma."

Among the most effective ways of keeping kids in school are home visits, conducted by "diploma project advisers," guidance counselors who work with dropout-risk students. "It gives a really powerful message that if you're not in school, we're going to your home," said Duardo, the dropout prevention director. "Most of the time, we find dropouts not working and not happy with life." This year Jefferson qualified for $1.9 million in state funds for disadvantaged schools and plans to hire 10 teachers to reduce class sizes, plus a psychiatric social worker and more security. There are signs of turnaround. Three years ago, 50 percent of 12th-graders passed the graduation exam, LAUSD's lowest rate. Last year, 73 percent passed.

It's a far cry from a half-century ago when Jefferson was renowned as an athletic powerhouse and graduated notables such as actress Dorothy Dandridge, jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ralph Bunche.

36 But for Flecha, the principal, who grew up in South Los Angeles the son of a housecleaner, it's a start. "Education is truly an equalizer. I want our youngsters to have that opportunity," he said. "But it's one day at a time." © Copyright 2008 by DiverseEducation.com http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_11581.shtml